Turn the world on it's side

Super Paper Mario for the Wii is an interesting look at the philosophical paths which can be taken in life. For Mario sees not just the current world; but one which is deeper. He is enlightened to another side of the world. It makes one wonder what would of happened had Mario just looked at the world differently in all his other games!

Dualism?
Is Mario's' world dualistic? In a way it is. Some people can not see the trueness of the world in his view. For example both Peach and Browser can not flip the world on its side to view the more complicated aspects underneath. Mario though can, is this a way of viewing Mario as a Faux-Socrates? Kind of.

Mario as Philosopher King
Princess may be the queen of the kingdom, but it is Mario's questioning which shows according to The Republic that he should actually lead. Which is kind of an interesting view on the whole situation. Not to read TOO far into the background of the game world, but it is Mario who is questioning while not really earning anything in return. Sure he gets coins and mushrooms but do they ever really help him? Only for a short time I would argue.

In many ways this puts him as an enlightened person with in the society which he functions. Mario is et al the King of Kings in the Mushroom kingdom. In questioning its 2D existence and switching it on its side he is looking at a different perspective. This is something which individuals have been attempting to do for thousands of years, and in many ways the game helps explain away philosophy with out actually putting the player in the DEBATE about philosophy!

Philogameblog Score - 5 / 5 Socrates (Judging from philosophical interactions, and not on graphics or game play.)